Guns and drugs case involving ex-minister’s son ensnares over a dozen suspects

DVB

1 year ago

(Left to right) Zaw Win Htike, Ye Min Swe and Phyo Ko Ko Tint San, who were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and drugs at Naypyidaw Airport on 15 October 2017.

A total of 15 people, including the son of a former Union minister, will face charges following the seizure of a large cache of weaponry and illicit narcotics last month in Naypyidaw, the Myanmar Police Force has announced.

Phyo Ko Ko Tint San, the son of former sports minister Tint San, and 14 others have been swept up in a high-profile investigation that began when Phyo Ko Ko Tint San and two others were detained at Naypyidaw International Airport in possession of two pistols, 72 bullets, 12 methamphetamine pills, 1.5 grammes of powdered methamphetamine, and three walkie-talkies.

The minister’s son, along with Ye Min Swe and Zaw Win Htike, were arrested at the airport on 15 October.

A subsequent search of their rooms at the ACE Hotel — owned by Tint San — and associated offices in Naypyidaw uncovered more contraband.

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The 15 suspects are facing a broad array of charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, the Communications Law, the Imports and Exports Act, the State Secrets Act, the Weapons Act, and article 484 of the Penal Code.

The Myanmar Police Force (MPF) said that in addition to the weaponry and drugs, they also seized uniforms, seals and badges, and vehicles resembling those of official security organisations, leading to the article 484 charge, which covers “counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant.”

Investigators are still working to ascertain the suspects’ aims. Police also seized drones, communication devices and other paraphernalia associated with security forces. A special investigative team has been formed to probe the intentions of the suspects, according to information provided by the MPF.